Lehigh Valley Health Network Burn Prevention Network recently sponsored a seminar titled "Wear You Gear or End Up Here."

The May 7 seminar at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township, was aimed at local and regional fire and EMS personnel.

Keynote speakers were Mitch and Aimee Dryer of Oneida, N.Y. and Dr. Daniel Lozano, medical director of LVHN Regional Burn Center.

Mitch Dryer was a municipal firefighter in Oneida where he became trapped in a structure collapse and fire in 2007.

He sustained third- and fourth-degree burns to his right arm and body, eventually resulting in amputation of his right arm.

His presentation included a description of the fire call to a former movie theater and bowling alley; his entry into what appeared to be a minor fire with a lieutenant; and discovery of a large fire in the ceiling.

As they were attempting to leave the building, a suspended projection collapsed trapping Dryer.

Fellow firefighters located and freed Dryer from a large debris pile as fire spread throughout the building.

He was transported first to the local hospital but immediately was transferred by helicopter to Upstate Medical Center, a teaching hospital in Syracuse.

Dryer described his extensive surgeries and rehabilitation. His wife spoke of her emotional turmoil throughout her husband's treatment.

Now retired, Dryer is helping to raise their twins.

Dr. Lozano discussed pre-hospital treatment as well as shared photos and videos of skin grafts to help patients recover from serious burns.